6:30 LRN Newscast July 24

An Alexandria mother has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of her five-year-old child. Corporal Wade Bourgeois says 24-year-old Jasmine Anderson brought her dead daughter, Audrey Chelette (Shu-lay), to the hospital claiming they had been involved in a single-vehicle wreck and she injured her neck. But Bourgeois says detectives never found any evidence of a crash or could not find any signs that a crash occurred at the spot Anderson claimed it happened…
cut 8 (12) “….a vehicle crash”
Media reports indicate that Audrey’s four-year-old brother also died earlier this year and Anderson’s husband passed away in 2016. But police say it’s premature to link this murder case with the previous deaths.

In Union Parish, 38-year-old Andre Durant Walker has been charged with second-degree murder after the body of his girlfriend, 35-year-old Maria Sanchez Cardin was found dead at his home in Farmerville.

The National Retail Federation predicts we’ll see record spending for back to school shopping. Families with elementary through high school students plan to spend an average of nearly $700, with college families expecting to shell out just shy of a grand. NRF spokesperson Mark Matthews says nationwide spending is nearly $80 million.
Cut 13 (11) “…saw last year.”
The biggest items for K-12 students are electronics, then clothing and accessories.

A Baton Rouge company that makes dog treats from nutria meat is re-launching their product and hoping to take it national. Founding partner of Marsh Dog Veni Harlan says the treats are tasty and healthy for dogs and it’s also good for the environment since nutria are contributing to coastal land loss…
cut 6 (09) “…challenge”
Before it’s two-year hiatus, Marsh Dog was sold in about 50 specialty pet stores and vet clinics in Louisiana.

AM LRN Newscall

A Baton Rouge-based company that makes dog treats out of nutria meat is making a comeback and aiming for a national release… Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Alexandria Police charge a mother with second degree murder in the death of her 5-year-old daughter.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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The National Retail Federation is forecasting record household spending for heading back to the classroom.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Marsh Dog, a company out of Baton Rouge that makes nutria meat-based dog treats, is coming back after a hiatus, and aiming to go national.

The company was founded seven years ago but stopped production two years ago while they worked out a deal with a national producer. Founding partner Veni Harlan says they’re proud to continue the conservation battle.

Cut 4 (10) “…erosion.” 

Harlan says nutria meat is leaner than turkey and makes for a very healthy dog treat.

The company is still working out just how much meat they’ll need, and how many treats each nutria can provide, but Harlan says the plan is to eventually partner with the state and save taxpayers millions.

Cut 5  (11) “… challenge.” 

The product has relaunched with new packaging and three treats to chose from, using wild nutria as the no.1 ingredient.

Going national will provide a new challenge, and that’s convincing dog owners in other states that the nasty swamp rats need to be taken care of. Harlan says they’re up to the task.

Cut 6 (09) “…challenge.”

Before it’s two-year hiatus, the product was sold in about 50 specialty pet stores and vet clinics in Louisiana.

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A mother is in custody as part of an active investigation by Alexandria Police into the death of a 5-year-old girl after she was brought to an emergency room, deceased with her throat cut. The mother, Jasmine Anderson reported that her daughter’s injuries were from a car accident. Cpl. Wade Bourgeois says the injury was considered questionable.

Cut 7 (07) “…during a vehicle crash”

Bourgeois says the investigators also could not locate the crash area of the vehicle that was described by Anderson.

Cut 8 (12) “…a vehicle crash.”

Bourgeois says after working with the District Attorney, investigators obtained a warrant for Anderson’s arrest.

Cut 9 (09) “…second-degree murder.”

The Town Talk newspaper reports the mother’s 4-year-old son died in April choking on a soda cap and the father of the children died in 2016.

 

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Two parents and a grandmother are under arrest after authorities discovered drug use and “deplorable” conditions at a house where a two-month-old baby lived.

Calcasieu Parish Sherriff Tony Mancuso says his office got a complaint that parents of a newborn were smoking narcotics inside a home with their baby, and when deputies arrived…

Cut 10 (11) “child.”

The two parents, 37-year-old Crystal Roberts and 34-year-old Herbert Thibodeaux, along with the child’s grandmother, 58-year-old Anthonette Thibodeaux were arrested.

Authorities say the family was consuming synthetic marijuana when deputies arrived and Mancuso says they had completely neglected the newborn for some time.

Cut 11 (10) “…so long.”

The baby is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, and “doing good”.

Mancuso says despite bringing the child into the world it’s clear the family only had one thing in mind.

Cut 12 (09) “…appropriate.”

All three of those arrested had minor criminal histories, and all three were charged with illegal use of a controlled substance in the presence of a juvenile, a paraphernalia charge, and possession of synthetic marijuana. The parents were hit with 2nd-degree cruelty to a juvenile as well.

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As students gear up to head back to the classroom, the National Retail Federation is forecasting record spending.  Families with elementary school through high school students are planning to spend an average of nearly $700, with college families expecting to shell out just shy of a grand.  NRF spokesperson Mark Matthews says nationwide spending is nearly $80 million.

Cut 13 (11) “…saw last year.”

The biggest items for K-12 students is electronics, then clothing and accessories.  College students see those trends flip-flopped.  Matthews says the higher college spending comes from having to prepare a dorm for a student.

Cut 14 (07) “…and all that.”

Matthews says the back to school season is vital to retailers and consumers are spending more than they do for the holidays.

Cut 15 (06) “…super super important.”

The overall nationwide spending is expected to be down from last year’s $82.5 billion just slightly due to fewer homes with K-12 students.

 

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2-guard JJ Reddick has officially signed his two year deal with the Pelicans, guaranteeing the young team one of the best shooters in the league, and a player known for his skills as a mentor and culture builder.

The 35-year-old Reddick, who has never missed the playoffs, could have had his pick of the litter in free agency, but he didn’t hesitate when New Orleans called…

Cut 16  (20) “…momentum.”  

Reddick recently finished a stint in Philly where he posted a career-high 18 points a game while shooting nearly 40 percent from 3.

JJ, a former Blue Devil joins a growing Duke contingent in the Crescent City with newly acquired forwards Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, alongside existing bench players Jahil Okafor and Frank Jackson…

cut 17 (19) “real” 

Pelicans head honcho David Griffin says they pined for a vet like Reddick to help set the tone for the young team, and the shooting guard says he relishes the opportunity to build a winning culture.

Reddick gained a reputation for embracing the role of a mentor during his later years in Orlando.

530PM LRN News

A Baton Rouge teen who alleged intentionally rammed his car into a woman’s vehicle at an intersection in Baton Rouge, killing her, reportedly told police “God instructed him to kill himself” before he made the fatal decision. State Trooper Taylor Scrantz says that led to a 2nd-degree murder charge for 18-year-old Jack Jordan.

Cut 5 (11) “…Mr, Jordan.”

The crash killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs.

LSU players are celebrating the school’s new 25-million-dollar football operations center, but some are raising concerns about it’s optics while the campus library continues to fall apart. LSU Professor of Mass Communication Bob Mann.

Cut 12 (11) “…percent.”

The football operations center was paid for with private dollars.

Methanex announces plans to spend $1.3 billion to construct a third methanol plant in Ascension Parish and the three plants combined in Geismar would make it one of the world’s largest methanol complexes. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the state is very attractive to the needs of the company.

Cut 7 (08) “…this product globally.”

Methanex is based in Canada. 

Gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone is repping his pro-Trump background in his first statewide TV ad of the campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects the Trump focused ads to run for about three weeks before the Baton Rouge construction magnate tells voters more about his background as a businessman…

Cut 10 (07) “…Donald Trump.”

Pinsonat says the strategy is also similar to successful gubernatorial efforts from Bobby Jindal and Mike Foster.

4:30 PM Newscast

Republican Eddie Rispone has launched his first statewide governor’s race ads, and his message to the voters is pretty straight forward…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

The two parents along with a grandmother are under arrest after authorities discovered drug use and “deplorable” conditions at a house where a two-month-old baby lived. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office got a complaint that parents of a newborn were smoking narcotics inside a home with their baby, and when deputies arrived they found the child is a soiled diaper. The baby is now in the care of DCFS and is doing well.

Methanex announces an expansion of the company’s Louisiana operations with a $1.3 billion investment to construct a third methanol plant in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the plant will create 62 new direct jobs with competitive wages.

Cut 6 (08) “…next three years.”

The operation is expected to begin in 2022.

A Baton Rouge teen faces second-degree murder after he allegedly admitted to intentionally causing a crash that killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor and State Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they are not sure why Jordan decided to hit Payne’s Nissan Rogue at a high rate of speed…

Cut 4 (10) “…motive was”

Jordan has also been charged with reckless operation and simple escape.

 

3:30 PM Newscast

State Police charge an 18-year-old Baton Rouge teenager for intentionally causing a crash that killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A mother is charged with second-degree murder as part of an active investigation by Alexandria Police into the death of 5-year-old girl after she was brought to an emergency room, deceased with her throat cut.  The mother reported that her daughter’s injuries were from a car accident.  Investigators indicated that the story didn’t add up.

 

Gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone has released his first statewide TV ads of the campaign, The content of which heavily lean into Rispone’s historical support for President Trump, and Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a good ad, targeted to a crucial part of the Republican base.

Cut 9 (10) “…Donald Trmp.”

Pinsonat says Trump is one of the highest polling political figures in recent Louisiana history.

LSU football coaches and players are impressed with their new 28-million dollar football operations building that features a new locker room, cafeteria and players lounge. Meanwhile, other portions of the campus, including the library, are in dire need of repair or replacement.  LSU mass communications professor Bob Mann says in order to see a change, there needs to be a paradigm shift in the way the state’s leaders and residents look at education.
Cut 14 (11) “…side of campus.”
LSU’s new football ops building was paid for by private donations.

2:30 LRN Newscast

A Baton Rouge teen faces second-degree murder after he allegedly admitted to intentionally causing a crash that killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs last night. State Trooper Taylor Scrantz says Jack Jordan hit the gas and plowed into the back of Payne as she waited at a Baton Rouge intersection…
Cut 3 (11) “…resting.”
The arrest warrant says Jordan told investigators that God instructed him to kill himself.

LSU football coaches and players are impressed with their new 28-million dollar football operations building that features a new locker room, cafeteria and players lounge. Meanwhile, LSU mass communications professor Bob Mann says there are several academic buildings in the need of repairs, especially the library…
cut 13 (10) “…being pumped out”
LSU’s new ops building was paid for by private donations.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone releases his first major television ad of his campaign and in the 30-second spot he praises President Donald Trump. Rispone is battling to get in a runoff with Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Congressman Ralph Abraham is the other funded Republican candidate in the race. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Rispone’s deep pockets give him an advantage…
cut 11 (10) “…known”
Rispone has a 10-million dollar war chest.

Methanex’s decision to build a third methanol plant in the Ascension Parish city of Geismar means that the area will be home to one of the world’s largest methanol complexes. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says methanol is a product critical to all economies…
cut 8 (12) “….the global economy”
The operation is expected to begin in 2022.

130PM LRN News

A Baton Rouge teen who faces second-degree murder for allegedly intentionally crashing into a woman’s car and killing her in Baton Rouge now is reportedly telling police that “God instructued him to kill himself”. That decision led to the death of 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs. State Trooper Taylor Scrantz says after 18-year-old admitted to causing the fiery crash on purpose, he was hit with those charges.

Cut 5 (11) “…Mr, Jordan.”

Jordan reportedly told police he hit 90 miles per hour before the crash occurred.

Methanex announces an expansion of the company’s Louisiana operations with a $1.3 billion investment to construct a third methanol plant in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the state is very attractive to the needs of the company.

Cut 7 (08) “…this product globally.”

Methanex is based in Canada.

Gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone has released his first statewide TV ads of the campaign, the content of which heavily lean into Rispone’s historical support for President Trump. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says expect the Trump focused ads to run for about three weeks before the candidate pivots to telling voters more about his background in Baton Rouge business.

Cut 10 (07) “…Donald Trump.”

Pinsonat says the strategy is also similar to successful gubernatorial efforts from Bobby Jindal and Mike Foster.

LSU has a brand new football operations center, and while it was paid for with private dollars, several other portions of the campus, as well as college campuses around the state, remain in need of repairs.  LSU Professor of Mass Communication Bob Mann says many feel that the state and the public should put the same emphasis on academics that go into athletics.

Cut 12 (11) “…percent.”

12:30 PM Newscast

Methanex announces an expansion of the company’s Louisiana operations with a $1.3 billion investment to construct a third methanol plant in Ascension Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the plant will create 62 new direct jobs with competitive wages.

Cut 6 (08) “…next three years.”

The operation is expected to begin in 2022.

A Baton Rouge teen faces second-degree murder after he allegedly admitted to intentionally causing a crash that killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor and State Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they are not sure why Jordan decided to hit Payne’s Nissan Rogue at a high rate of speed…

Cut 4 (10) “…motive was”

Jordan has also been charged with reckless operation and simple escape.

Republican Eddie Rispone has launched his first statewide governor’s race ads, and his message to the voters is pretty straight forward…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

1130AM LRN News

Gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone, has released his first statewide TV ads of the campaign, The content of which heavily lean into Rispone’s historical support for President Trump, and Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a good ad, targeted to a crucial part of the Republican base.

Cut 9, 10 seconds, Donald Trump

Pinsonat says Trump is one of the highest polling political figures in recent Louisiana history.

The Discovery Channel is airing a special tonight on the Cajun Navy, following the group through Hurricane’s Florence, Harvey, and even to it’s early roots in Hurricane Katrina. Discovery sent crews out to interview and follow members as they deployed to rescue people during natural disasters. Cajun Navy member Allen Lenard…

Cut 13 (11) “…do it.”

The program airs at 9PM central tonight.

State Police charge an 18-year-old Baton Rouge teenager for intentionally causing a crash that killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Former Southern University band director Nathan Haymer is in hot water over allegations that he pocketed 293,000 dollars of funds from the school, and used that money for personal expenses, including payments from Mardi Gras Krewes for Southern band performances, and reimbursements from the school linked to invoices that authorities allege were fabricated.

10:30 AM Newscast

A very rare mid-summer cold front is making its way through the state this week. State Climatologist Barry Keim says in addition to cooler temps, rainfall will be widespread across Louisiana.Keim expects the front to last through the work week with Wednesday and Thursday and by Sunday it should essentially be over.

Cut 6 (09) “…means do so.”

Morning temps are expected to be in the mid to upper 60’s with much lower humidity.

A Baton Rouge teen faces second-degree murder after he allegedly admitted to intentionally causing a crash that killed 51-year-old Stephanie Payne of Greenwell Springs. State Trooper Taylor Scrantz says Jack Jordan hit the gas and plowed into the back of Payne as she waited at a Baton Rouge intersection…

Cut 3 (11) “…resting.”

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor.

The Discovery Channel is airing a special tonight on the Cajun Navy, following the group through Hurricane’s Florence, Harvey, and even to it’s early roots in Hurricane Katrina.  Discovery sent crews out to interview and follow members as they deployed to rescue people during natural disasters. Cajun Navy member Allen Lenard says he hopes the documentary will inspire more volunteerism, a core American value.
Cut 14 (09) “…you had”
The program airs at 9PM central tonight.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife says during the summer months, alligators are more active and officials are encouraging residents and visitors to not feed the giant reptilians.  LDWF fur and alligator program manager Jeb Linscombe says feeding gators may lead to a situation where someone gets bit when one approaches another human looking for a snack.

Cut 10 (10) “…very very bad thing.”
You can find a list of gator “do’s and don’t’s” at LAGatorProgram.com